_Char._ Nor I, but from conviction. Yet we have hope of better days.
My uncle is infirm, and of an age that threatens hourly. Or if he
lives, You never have offended him; and for distresses so unmerited,
he will have pity.

_Mrs. Bev._ I know it, and am chearful. We have no more to lose; and
for what's gone, if it brings prudence home, the purchase is well
made.

_Char._ My Lewson will be kind too. While he and I have life and
means, You shall divide with us--And see, he's here.


SCENE IV.

_Enter LEWSON._

We were just speaking of you.

_Lew._ 'Tis best to interrupt you then. Few characters will bear a
scrutiny; and where the bad out-weighs the good, he's safest that's
least talked of. What say you, madam?
[_To Charlotte._

_Char._ That I hate scandal, though a woman; therefore talk seldom
of you.

_Mrs. Bev._ Or, with more truth, that, though a woman, she loves to
praise; therefore talks always of you. I'll leave you to decide
it.